How To Create SEO-Friendly Content

Getting your voice heard on the internet is never easy. It can be like setting up your soapbox on a crowded street, and waving frantically to get passers-by to pay attention. You might be an expert in your chosen topic, with pearls of wisdom to dispense on X particles or Z-list celebrities, but how do you get people to stop long enough to listen?

The answer is finding the right balance between SEO-friendly content and readability.Â Itâ€™s essential to make sure the Google (and Bing) spiders â€“ and therefore readers â€“ can find your website or blog. Knowing a few tricks can help you climb their rankings, without sacrificing your sparkling writing or specialist knowledge.

Choose Your Keywords

Keywords are the most important aspect of SEO , so think about them before you even start to write. It can be hard slotting keywords in afterwards without sounding clunky and forced.

Brainstorm words and phrases you think people are looking for, and use trusted tools such as GoogleAdWords to help pick the best. Consider how much competition there is for each phrase. Â Instead of catch-all terms such as â€œtravel agencyâ€ consider more specific terms, such as â€œItalian luxury travel specialistâ€, to sell your particular area of expertise.

Place KeywordsÂ Carefully

Search engines donâ€™t just analyze which words you use, but where you place them. Getting keywords in the title or first sentence is obviously a good start. Many newspapers change their pun-heavy headlines to more SEO-friendly versions on their websites.

You need to find the right keyword density â€“ â€œkeyword stuffingâ€ can be penalized by search engines, as well as being a turn-off to readers!

Use FreeÂ Tools

Take advantage of free tools, such as Google Analytics which can assess where your site traffic comes from and which aspects need more work.Â For bloggers, WordPress has various plug-ins that can help you choose the best post title and keywords, avoid duplicate content and make the most of meta-tags. Mashable has a list of the top 20 WordPress SEO plug-ins.

Become An Expert on Your Topic

Letâ€™s say users are searching for â€œEdinburgh travel tipsâ€ or â€œeasy Christmas recipesâ€. If youâ€™ve got several articles on the same topic, then search engines will assume you know what youâ€™re talking about. Choosing a targeted area of expertise will help you get on that coveted first page of search results.

Use LinksÂ Wisely

Itâ€™s not just what you write that counts. Clever use of links will help your site climb the rankings â€“ including ones to other parts of your own website. If another page has relevant information or youâ€™ve written a similar post in the past then add a link. Just donâ€™t overdo it!

Wear the right ColouredÂ Hat

SEO techniques are sometimes referred to as â€œwhite hatâ€ or â€œblack hatâ€. Search engines regard â€œwhite hatâ€ techniques as legitimate ways to optimize your website and help users find the information they want. â€œBlack hatâ€ techniques refer to practices such as using hidden text, or having separate versions of websites to deceive search engines. They might work in the short term, but could lead to Google blocking your site â€“ not a good strategy!

Make itÂ Readable

And on the same theme, make sure your writing is easy on the eye. Break up chunks of text into subcategories, and use images effectively. Lists can be a good idea â€“ and a way to repeat keywords without readers noticing! Use short sentences and leave plenty of white space.